From Small and Simple Things

Here is JR with some young men he has worked with(is freinds with), Zak and Ben Browning.

Ben just left on his mission. He stopped by the night before he left to give JR a present. Awhile ago, probably a year or more, the guys worked on making knifes for several months. Every Wednesday night, they would work on the knives. Ben is a knife maker/blacksmith and was teaching everyone what to do. JR was so excited. He forged his blade and worked very hard on it. Then time ran out, and the project was never completed.
Ben surprised JR. He completed the knife for JR and gave it to him that night. It was the perfect present.

Ben used 10,000 year old Bog Ash for the handle. He makes a very handsome knife. I think it is a great indication of Ben's personality. When most 19 year olds are thinking of themselves, he took the time to think of others. He knew JR cared about his knife, and he completed it for him. This was an especially thoughtful and meaningful gift. Thank you Ben! I know that you will do well on your mission because you already care for your fellowman.

Jump and Jive, H is 5!

On her birthday morning H came downstairs all excited, she had gotten dressed and done her own hair. She is all grown up, fabulous 5.


We decided to celebrate by going out to lunch with some friends, and a sister who was "sick". All the girls were ready to head off to dance class.


H is really into Pandas right now. So, we looked on the Internet and through a cookbook or two and ended up with these cupcakes. I think us trying to figure out what to make was the best part.

H is the best present opener. She loves every gift, truly. She gets so excited.

It is so fun to see the joy on her face. She loved all her gifts. Snow White and Littlest Pet Shop panda, who could ask for more?!

Okay, my favorite expression. H was stunted, thrilled, over joyed...she couldn't believe she got the Snow White movie.

Ah, I love H. I am so glad that she is part of our family. I am having a really hard time accepting that my BABY is 5 years old. Where did the time go? Where are my little, little ones? Enough of the mommy whining, Happy Birthday H. We love you!

The 1st Hundred Pages

Today is day 10 of reading. By the end of today, to be on track, you should be on page 100. How are you doing? I hope you are enjoying this. Keep up the good work, and KEEP READING!

I Survived...

the Primary Program!

Oh, I should mention the girls did terrific, fabulous, wonderful, etc...and looked darling to boot!

The More the Merrier!

A couple of weeks ago, my friends went on vacation to Cancun, Mexico.


They left me in charge of these...

that makes 8 kiddos all together! 8 kids is a lot of work, but a lot of fun too.

JR had a friend to take to the basketball game. The lone boy!


In honor of the parents' vacation spot, one night we had a "Mexican Fiesta"
-fajitas
-nachos
-homemade salsa
- a yummy lime drink...

The kitchen after the fiesta.



The kids were bummed when they realized I only planned dinner for the fiesta, so they decided to add some games too.

The days we had the kids were fun, and kept us hopping. We loved our time together. On the last morning, all 10 of us were eating breakfast together. JR looked at me and asked if we were missing anyone. I told him "no". JR said it was too calm and easy with all the kids there. I had to agree. Who knows maybe we should add a few more members to Team Z :)

[I did keep thinking of a lady, I knew when I was a kid, who had 8 children. All the kids were involved in soccer, dance, gymnastic, or something. I don't know how she did it. She was always cheerful. Plus, she kept her house running, food on the table, etc...Wow, I have a new respect for her!]

This is Halloween

Team Z's Halloween 2009

H- an Angel



R- an Army Girl


E- a Devil (mischievous, not evil)

Our neighbors love Halloween! This is part of their yard.

Another part was a Mad Science lab

Pictures can't capture the house with the song "Mad Science" blasting and other Halloween tunes. There was lightening with the music beats. There was another part of their house with coffins and skeletons too. Plus, the entire house had eerie lighting.

I even made a cake in honor of Halloween. It's suppose to look like a witch's cauldron.

Start Reading

Today is the first day to start reading the Book of Mormon. Remember, if you read 10 pages every day you will finish on Christmas Eve. So, let's start reading!